Swimming race timer



Nov. 25, 1952 w. RATH 2,619,170

SWIMMING RACE TIMER Filed May 22, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVEN TOR. Walter Ra 1/7 BY ATTORNEY Nov. 25, 1952 w. RATH SWIMMING RACE TIMER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 22, 1951 INSERT q SET Fig. 4

INVENTOR. War/fer Raf/z ATTORNEY Nov. 25, 1952 w RATH SWIMMING RACE TIMER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 22, 1951 Q3 n& R M3 MS U vs \N\ a a M 1 INVENTOR. War/fer R0 #2 ATTORNEY Nov. 25, 1952 w, RATH SWIMMING RACE TIMER 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 22, 1951 Fig. 6

IN V EN TOR. W0 /zer Ra f/z WiW Nov. 25, 1952 w. RATH 2,619,170

SWIMMING RACE TIMER Filed May 22, 1951 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 TURN KNOB TO SET NUMBER OF LAPS RESET BUTTONS USE FOR ERRO N EOUS SETTINGS ONLY Fig. /0

INVENTOR- Wa/fe'r Palh 1 ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 25, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE '7 Claims.

This invention relates to automatic timing devices for determining the time required by a person or object to move from a starting point or Starting line over a given course past one or a plurality of intermediate or part-way points to a finish point or finish line.

The invention provides an automatic timing apparatus which is particularly suited for the self-timing of runners, skiers, and swimmers and provides in its preferred form an apparatus for the automatic measurement of the time elapsed between the passage by a person of a starting line and his passage of a finish line after completion of a predetermined course. The race course may follow an irregular outline marked by one or a plurality of check points, all of which must be passed by the racer in proper order before obtaining an indication or a record of elapsed time. The course may also be a straight course to be traversed a plurality of times, in which event, the starting point and the finish point also serve as intermediate check oints.

Timing devices incorporating the present invention are highly versatile and may easily be adapted to races of different character. For example, the form of apparatus hereinafter described in greater detail and explained in its application to a swimming race extending over a plurality of laps, may also be used for the timing of a cross-country race over an irregular course having a plurality of check-points, the distances between each two check-points or the distance between a check-point and the starting, or the finishing line being comparable to single laps of a swimming race. The apparatus not only furnishes an indication of elapsed time, or a printed record, if desired, but also operates as a counter of laps or a counter of the completed race course sections, thus permitting spectators or the racer, to observe the progress of the race.

Timing devices incorporating the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms. One preferred form, which will be described hereinafter, comprises a self-contained coin-operated unit including a timing mechanism, hereinafter briefly referred to as a clock, a counter, a means for presetting the device for a race of predetermined length, a printing device for issuing a printed time record, and various mechanical and electrical elements for actuating the clock, the counter, the printer, and other parts of the mechanism. Electric lines extend from the self-contained unit to the starting station, the finish station and t the part-way checkpoints.

The specific forms of the start responsive means of the finish responsive means and of the passage responsive means at the check points naturally varies with the particular nature of each installation.

In a swimming race, for example, it is desirable to use electric contact devices operated by a platform closely resembling the top of a starting block at the starting line, and to use vertical panels in the water or slightly above the water to be touched by the swimmer at the intermediate or turn-around points and at the finishing line.

If the device is used in a skiing race, it is convenient to employ movable barriers extending across a gate. Such a barrier may be a fish-pole type of rod extending across the gate. The rod is struck and swung aside by the racer passing through the gate. There may also be tapes actuating a contact, or a photo-electric device whose beam extends across the gate and is broken by the racer.

For track races, or cross-country races similar passage responsive means may be used. Gates may serve as intermediate check-points for crosscountry races. Vertical contact poles to be touched or rounded by the racer are other forms of assage responsive means.

It thus becomes evident that any form of apparatus or device which will make or break an electric contact or generate or send an electric impulse at the moment of passage by a racer will serve as a passage responsive device or as a start or finish responsive means.

Similarly, the timing means, or clock proper may assume a variety of forms. It may be a spring-motor-operated clock of conventional construction, it may be an electric clock which, in essence, is a constant speed motor, or it may be any other form of known device for determining lapse of time.

Conventional timing devices generally require at least one operator for attending to the numerous details, such as starting the racer, resetting the clock, removing or reading the time record, and other details which ordinarily are not attended to by the racer.

The present invention provide a timing device which is particularly designed for the selftiming of a racer, all operations being fully automatic, and the device being so designed that it may be used by an untrained person with no greater difiiculty than is involved in the use of a conventional coin-operated vending machine.

A particular feature of the present invention is the arrangement of the timing device such that no indication or record of the time is given unless the predetermined race course is fully traversed. This is accomplished by blocking the timing device in such a way that the passage responsive device at the finish line will not actuate the clock unless the passage devices at all intermediate check points were properly actuated. Thus inadvertent mistakes and deliberate cheating are prevented. This feature makes the automatic timing device suited for competitive racing. The feature is particularly valuable in instances where the location does not permit more than one racer to be on the race course, as for example, where only a single track is available. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention only a single swimming lane is provided, marked by floating lines in a conventional manner. This form of race course is relatively inexpensive to construct and is admirably suited for installation by clubs, hotels, resorts or beaches, yet, as will later be seen, provides a course for competitive races in which the contestants use it in succession.

The timing device is so constructed that its use by a second person is prevented while the first person is still on the course. This arrangement is valuable in instances where a portion of the race course is not visible from the starting or finishing line. It is also advantageous in instances where a certain number of laps must be completed, as in a swimming race, since tampering with the device for the purpose of obtaining a time record before completion of the race is prevented.

For this purpose blocking means are provided which automatically become .elfective when a racer passes the starting line. The blocking remains effective until the racer passes the finish line. The unblocking operation of the device is preferably combined with the issuance of a printed time record of the race, so that the timing device automatically becomes available for reuse after issuance of a time record.

Indicating or signaling means are provided. for

advising prospective users of the device of its present state of availability and non-availability. Such signaling means may simply indicate the condition of availability or non-availability, but may also indicate the progress of the current race by indication, for example, of the number of com. pleted laps or the number of laps still to be completed. If the device is specifically constructed for coin operation, the coin collecting device is preferably so constructed that no further coin is accepted until the device is in condition for reuse.

These and various other features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the detailed description which follows accompanied by drawings showing, for the purpose of illustration, an application of the principles of the invention to a timing device for swimming races. The invention also consists in certain new and original features of construction and combination of elements having a wider field of use. Such features will hereinafter be set forth and claimed.

Although the characteristic features of the in. vention which are believed to be novel will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, its objects and advantages, and the manner in which it may be carried out may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with th; accompanying drawings forming a Pal? 9? it in w ich:

Figure l is a plan view, partly diagrammatic, of an installation embodying the present invention for multi-lap swimming races;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a starting platform also incorporatin a passage responsive panel which may serve either as an intermediate check pointer or as a finishing line;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a floating installation at the end of the'swimming lane including a vertical panel which serve as an intermediate check point;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of certain elements of the coin operated mechanism including a device for presetting and counting the number of laps;

Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the device;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a certain mechanism for printing the time record;

Figure '7 is aperspective view of a modified starting and'finishing arrangement forswimming pools;

Figure 3 is a perspective illustration of a turn around point forswimming pools;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of certain elements of the recording mechanism; and

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the outside of the mechanism housing.

In the following description and in the claims the various details will be identified by specific names for convenience. The names however, are intended to be as generic in their application as the art will permit. Corresponding reference characters refer to corresponding parts in the several figures of the drawings.

In the drawings accompanying, and forming part of this specification, certain specific disclosure of the invention is made for the purpose of explanation of broader aspects of the invention, but it is understood'that the details may be modified in various respects without departure from the broad principles of the invention and that the invention may be applied to other structures than the ones shown.

As illustrated in Figure l, the time device comprises a starting line station H and a remote station 12 spaced along a race course or lane l3. The starting line station ll may serve as a finish line station in the event the race extends over an even number of laps, such as two, four or six, this being the most practical arrangement, since it causes the race to terminate at the location Where the time record is issued. The remote station I 2 serves as a turn-around point.

The two stations H and 12 are connected by conductors I4 and I5 supported by conventional floats E6 of the type commonly used in swimming races for the support of the lines which divide the several lanes from one another. In the illustrated installation the lnsulated conductors M and I5 serve the double purpose of furnishing an electric connection between the two stations I I and i2 and of marking the width of the lane or course I3.

At the starting line station a starting platform I! controls a switch l8 in a manner hereinafter described in greater detail, and a vertical panel I9 which serves as a turn-around point and as a finishing line operates a switch 25. Three conductors 2|, 22 and 23 extend to the timing unit 24 which may be of the coin operable type and includes appropriate mechanism for setting the number of laps, a clock for measuring the elapsed time, and an indicator or recorder for furnishing a record of the race-time, preferably in the form of a printed ticket, not unlike the printed tickets issued by recording scales and similar to the printed tickets of the automatic timer disclosed in my prior Patent Number 2,559,796 (application Serial Number 122,675, filed October 21, 1949).

The remote station I2 is maintained afloat by a float or drum and includes a vertical panel 26 which operates a switch 21. The remote station I2 is maintained in place by ground anchors 28 and 29 attached to the station by lines or cables 30 and 3|. It is, however, obvious that the remote station can be secured or anchored by other means, for example by poles driven into the bottom.

Turning now to the details of the construction, the starting line station may comprise a supporting framework 32 upon which the platform I! is hingedly mounted for slight pivotal movement about a hinge axis 33. The front edge of the platform is at regulation height it above the water level 34, and the size of starting blocks used in swimming races.

The platform l! is resiliently supported on helical springs 35. The springs permit the platform to move slightly in a vertical direction under the weight of a swimmer standing on it. The switch I8 is mounted between the platform I! and the framework 32, respectively, the adjustment being such that the contacts of the switch are open if the platform is free from load or is under load. The switch |8 closes when the platform rebounds as the swimmer dives off causing the springs 35 to expand slightly beyond the no-load position.

The vertical panel I9 is pivotally mounted on the framework 32 about an axis 36. The center portion 31 of the panel is preferably made of expanded metal or other mesh or grid construction to prevent actuation of the panel by waves. The panel 9 is biased by a spring 38 and actuates the switch 20 through an arm 39 hearing against an arm 40 of the switch 20. Pressure against the panel l9 causes the panel to tilt back about the axis 36 against the action of the spring 38. This raises the arm 39 which, in turn, lifts the switch arm 40, resulting in closing of the switch contacts. Chains 4| prevent lifting of the panel in the opposite direction and a bar 42 limits the movement of the panel and supports it when great force is exerted on the panel, for example, during a racing turn when the swimmer pushes himself off from the panel.

The remote station comprises a frame 43 supported by the float 25. The panel 26 is pivotally mounted on'the frame 43 about an axis 44 and is biased by helical springs 45. The panel 26 also includes a center portion 46 of expanded metal or other mesh construction and has an actuating arm 41 for operating the switch 21. The bottom member 48 of the frame 43 serves as a limit stop for the panel 26 during racing-turns and the anchor cables 30 and 3| are attached to the bottom member 48 and the float 25, respectively. Studs 49 on the frame 43 permit fastening of the conductors l4 and I5 which also mark the borders of the swimming lane.

The mechanical elements of the lap setting mechanism, the coin collecting mechanism and their electrical components are mounted in the housing 50 as shown in Figure 4. The housing 50 has a window 5| through which a signal disc 52 is visible. The signal disc 52 indicates availability I and non-availability of the device and also forms a partof the lap setting and lap counting mechanism, as will later be seen.

A coin slide 53 projects from the housing when the device is not in use. The slide may be depressed into a position in which its coin receiving aperture 54 is covered to prevent further insertion of coins during the period of non-availability of the timing device, that is during the period of use of the device by a racer who is either completing his race or has not yet removed his time record.

The construction and operation of the setting and counting device will become apparent from the perspective illustrations, Figures 4 and 6 taken together with the Wiring diagram of Figure 5.

Referring first to Figure 4, the coin slide 53 is biased by a spring 55 towards its projecting position in which a coin may be inserted into the receiving aperture 54. A feeler lever 56 pivoted at 51 rests against the top surface of the slide and engages the aperture 54 in the event no coin is inserted, thus preventing the slide 53 from reaching a position in which the lap setting or counting mechanism becomes operative.

If a coin has been inserted, the feeler lever 56 passes over the coin without arresting the slide and the slide 53 may be depressed to its full extent. The slide 53 is finally locked in its fully depressed position. For this purpose, the slide is equipped with a transverse arm 51'. This arm engages an operating lever 58 which is pivoted at 59 and is movable in the path of an armature 60 of a solenoid 6|. When the slide 53 is fully depressed the transverse arm 51' extends beyond the end of the armature 60 which tilts under the action of the biasing spring 62 and locks the transverse arm 51' and the operating lever 58 in deflected position. In this position the transverse arm 51 has also moved beyond the end of an armature 63 of a second solenoid 64. The armature 63 tilts up under the action of a biasing spring 65 and engages the transverse arm 5! locking the slide in depressed position. The arrangement of the two armatures 60 and 63 is such that the transverse arm is first arrested by the armature 60, whereas it is further locked by the armature 63 after the slide has moved a short distance towards the projected position. This arrangement permits release of the operating lever 58 from its deflected position without returning the slide 53 to its projected position, the slide being still locked by the solenoid 64.

The operating lever 58 has a forked upper end 66 straddling a shaft 61 on which a hub 68 is longitudinally slidable. The shaft has a keyway 69 into which a pin or arm 10 extends preventing the hub 68 from turning relatively to the shaft 61.

The hub 68 and shaft 61 are biased in a clockwise direction by a spring 1| attached to the hub 68 and to a pin 12 in the housing, respectively.

In deflected position the operating lever 58 moves the hub 68 with its arm 13 into the path of a pin 14 on the disc 52. The disc is freely rotatable on the shaft 61 and is biased in a clockwise direction by a spring 15, the spring being attached to the hub 16 of the disc with one end, and to a fixed pin H with the other end.

The disc 52 bears a dial reading in term of laps, or other suitable units, the numerals of the dial being shown at 18 and being visible through the'window 5| when the disc is in the appropriate rotary position;

A manually operable knob 19 is secured to the end'of the-shaft 67. Turning of the knob in a counterclockwise direction causes rotation of the disc52 with "its dial, the motion being transmittedt'o theidialfrom the knob I9 throught-he shaft 6'! and the hub 68 keyed to the shaft. The arm ID of the'hub engages the pin I4, and the pin I4 rotates the disc, since the pin is fixed in the hub I6 of the disc.

The disc 52 has a cam projection 80 for coer'ating certain contacts later to be described, and jalsoc'arrie's a number of stop pins '81, for arresting the disc in various rotary positions.

Turning now to the mechanism for arresting the disc 52, two solenoids 82 and 83 are provided whose armatures Bil-and 85 extend into the path of the pins 8!. The armatures are biased by springs 86 and 87, and the arrangement is such that the armature of one solenoid arrests the disc 52 at every other indicating position whereas the armature of the other solenoid engages thedisc at the intermediate indicating positions. In this connection, it willbe noted that for the particular arrangement of the solenoids, pins are set in the disc at'every even number 'ofthe dial, whereas no pins are present at the odd numbers of the dial.

Assuming for example, that thedial'is arrested in the position in which the numeral 5011 the dial is visible, astop pin will be engaged by the armature 84. Actuation of the solenoid 32 releases the dial which under action of the biasing spring I turns until the previously arrested pin strikes the armature 85 of the solenoid 83. In this position, the numeral 4 is visible through the window 5!. If then the solenoid 83 is energized, its armature 85 releases the stop pin it last engaged and the next stop pin comes to rest against the armature 84 of the solenoid 82 after rotation of the disc 52 to the next position in which the numeral 3 is visible through the window 5!.

This particular arrangement of stop pins and solenoids is chosen to insure step-by-step move ment of the disc in response to alternate actuatio'n from two spaced check points, as will later become apparent.

Thus the lap counting device remains unafiected by repeated actuation of one and the same passage responsive means. For example, repeated actuation of the vertical panel 26 will not result in advance of the disc by more than one single step. This is important, since the panel '26 is likely to be deflected more than once during a racing turn, first when the. swimmer strikes it with his hand and then when he pushes I oh. This causes the contacts of the switch 27 to be closed at least twice. However, only the first actuation is eifective to advance the disc 52 of the lap counter or indicator, whereas the second or a possible third actuation remains ineiie'ctive. The same considerations apply to repeated actuation of the panel I9.

Returning now to Figure 4', it is seen that actuation of the solenoids 82 and 83 causes the disc 52 to be advanced in a step-by-step fashion. The solenoids, together with the stop pins 8! and the biasing spring I5 constitute a step y-step advance mechanism, and it is evident that other known forms of step-by-step mechanisms could be used, such mechanisms being well known units in the art of automatic switching.

The automatic operation of the device, and further details of its mechanism may best be described by reference to the diagrammatic mus-- tration of Figure 5.

[theslide was depressed and locked in depressed position. Also, the operation lever 58 was defiected and locked, permitting the lap setting mechanism to be operated. Turning of the knob 19 in a counter-clockwise direction causes the disc 52 to turn in the direction indicated by the arrow 88 in Figurec5. The disc is rotated until the number of laps to be swum, for example, six, appears at the window, or at the top of the disc. A main switch 89 is closed as the cam moves out of engagement with the switch arm 90. Closing of the switch 89 prepares an electric circuit from a battery or other suitable source of electric energy 9'! through leads 92, 93, main switch 89 to a lead 94. When the swimmer steps on the starting. platform I! (Figure 1), the starting switch I8 remains unaiiected. The moment the swimmer'leaves the platform, however, the switch I3 is momentarily closed as the platform I? rebounds, as hereinbefore described. Closing of the starting switch I8 completes the circuit which was just traced to lead 94, the completed circuit now extending through closed switch I8, lead 95, break contacts 96 presently in closed position, a further lead 97 to a solenoid 98. The solenoid 98 pulls up its armature 99 against the action of a biasing spring I00 and starts the clock Ifil. A further lead I92 extends to the solenoid 9! which is likewise energized since it lies parallel with the solenoid 98. 'Solenoid 6! pulls up its armature and frees the operating lever 58 (Figure 4) thereby disengaging the lap setting or lap counting disc 52 from the setting shafts 6 The disengagement is aided by a helical spring I93 tending to push the hubs 68 and I6 apart.

Starting of the clock Ill! causes the clockcontrolled switch to open. The switch 96 includes a further break contact I94 at the end of a lead I 95. The lead I95 is disconnected by opening of the switch 96. A further switch arm Illfiis mechanically coupled with the arm of the switch 96. Starting of the clock I!!! therefore also causes the switch arm I06 to be separated from its break contact Ill! at the end of a lead I08. Opening of the clock-operated switches, particularly of switch 96 disconnects the solenoid 6! and also the solenoid 98, and prevents their further actuation.

Closing of the starting switch I8 causes afurther circuit to be completed, continuing from lead 94 through contacts I8, leads 95, switch so, break c0ntact I94, lead I95, a further lead I99, contact arm IlU, contact m, lead M2 to the solenoid as. Solenoid s3 pulls up its armature95 and permits the disc 52to rotate under the action .of its biasing spring 75 until the next stop pin 8! strikes the extended armature 84 of the solehoio 82. The armature 84 arrests the disc 52 in a position indicating one lap less than the number originally set.

'When the swimmer reaches the remote station I2 (Figure 1) he touches the panel 48, turns, and pushes himself off, thereby actuating the switch 21. Closing of the switch 2'! completes a circuit from the battery 9! through leads S2, 93, main switch 89, lead 94, further leads H2, H3, switch 21, lead H4 to the solenoid 82. This solenoid pulls up its armature at, freeing the disc 52, which now advances a further step until the previously engaged pin 8 comes to'rest against the extended armature B5 or the solenoid'83. Rota 9 tion of the disc by this additional step brings the next number on the dial in line with the Window This number, in the specific example, is four and indicates the number of laps to be completed.

When the swimmer arrives at the panel I9 it causes the switch to close thereby completing a circuit from the battery 9| through leads 92, 93, main switch 89, leads 94, H2, switch 29, leads H5, I09, contacts IIO, III, lead II2 to the solenoid 83. The solenoid 83 pulls up its armature 85 and causes the disc 52 to advance a further step.

In this manner, the disc 52 continues to advance as the swimmer completes his laps until a position is reached in which the signal Finish shown at II6 on the disc, appears at the window 5|. In this position, the cam surface 80 of the disc engages the switch arm I I 0 and the connection H0 and III is broken while a new path is established from contact arm I I0 through a make contact I I1, a lead II8 to a solenoid I|9. This solenoid controls the clock IOI and stops it when its armature I20 is pulled up against the action of the biasing spring I 2|. In doing so the armature I20 strikes an arm I59 of a time record printing assembly shown in Fig. 9.

It is now evident that the next current impulse will be directed to the clock stopping solenoid I I9 instead of to the solenoid 83. When the swimmer touches the panel I9, actuating the switch 20, the solenoid ||9 pulls up its armature I20 and stops the clock, by operating the printing mechanism shown, in part, in Fig. 9 which will presently be described.

A hammer I10 is mounted on a lever I having an angular end I5I. The lever I50 is under tension of a spring I60 and is pivoted at I53. The other end I54 of the lever I50 is detained by a catch assembly I55. This catch assembly I55 consists of a catch I6I pivoted at I56 and is biased by a spring I 51 towards a pin I64. The catch assembly includes the angular lever I50 extending into the pathway of the armature I20 of the solenoid II 9. When the armature I20 strikes the arm I50 at I59, the end I54 of the lever I 50 is released and a hammer I10 loaded by the spring I60 strikes the underside of the clock disc I58 and forces it towards a platen I62.

Record blanks I are fed from a magazine or roll I66 along the underside of the platen I62. The disc I58 of the time clock is arrested by the hammer I10 which causes an impression to be made on the blank I65 at the moment the swimmer operates the finish line switch 20. Thus a permanent record is made of the time elapsed between the start of the race and passage of the finish line. The printed record is then dispensed to the racer who for this purpose actuates a dispensing and resetting mechanism.

The issuance of the ticket is coupled in a suitable manner with a reset switch I22. This switch includes two make contacts I23 and I24. When the reset switch is closed, a circuit is formed from the battery 9|, through lead 92, switch I22, contact I23, lead I25, lead II2 to the solenoid 83. The solenoid pulls up its armature 85 and permits the disc 52 to rotate to its initial position in which the indication reads Insert coin.

Closing of the switch I22 completes a further circuit from the battery 9| through lead 92, contact I24, lead I26 to the solenoid 64. The solenoid 64 pulls up its armature 63 (see also Figure 10 4) and frees the coin slide 53 which returns to its projecting position.

The clock is preferably coupled with the issue mechanism for the time record, and assuming the clock being of the spring motor type, the clock is automatically rewound. Also the clock operated switches 96, I04 and I06 are closed for the new cycle of operations.

Means are provided for correcting erroneous settings or" the laps setting disc 52. From the foregoing description it is seen that prior to closing of the starting switch I8 the disc 52 may be advanced to a higher setting, for example, it may be advanced from four to six laps by turning of the knob 19. It is therefore not diflicult to correct too low a setting. Assuming, however, that the disc was set for six laps, whereas the race is to extend over four laps only, it is evidently not possible to turn the disc 52 back since the armatures 84 and 85 block it. Electrical means are provided for correcting oversetting. These means comprise a manually operable switch arm I 21 normally maintained in a neutral and inactive position between make contacts I29 and I29 by a biasing spring I 30. Closing of the switch I21, I28 completes the circuit from the battery 9| through leads 92, 93, main switch 89, leads 94, I08, switch I01, lead I06, switch I21, I28, leads I3I, I25, 2 to solenoid 83. The solenoid 83 is thus energized and permits the respective disc stop 8| to move past its armature 85. If the switch I21 i moved in the opposite sense to close the switch I21, I29, the circuit extends through a lead I32, lead I I4 to the solenoid 82. The solenoid 82 is energized and causes the disc 52 to turn under the action of its biasing spring 15. A pair of push buttons are shown in Fig. 10 for moving the switch arm I21 in one direction or the other.

The timing and ticket release mechanism proper is shown in Fig. 6.

An actuating lever I61 projects from the housing of the mechanism housing I68 and carries a knob I69. The lever I61 forms apart of a bell crank assembly I1I secured to a lever shaft I12. The bell crank assembly includes a further arm I13 to which a cord I14 is attached at I15. The cord I 14 runs over a pulley I16 and is trained around a clock winding disc I11. The disc I11 is loosely mounted on a winding stem I18 which serves to rewind the clockwork and to reset the clock disc I58. The rewinding disc I I1 is connected to the winding stem I 18 by a spring I19 which takes up the slack of the cord I14 and also permits the disc I58 to turn when the arm I13 and cord I14 are in the position shown in Figure 6.

When the actuating lever I61 is pulled down the arm I13 moves in a counter-clockwise sense and the cord I14 is unreeled from the winding disc I11 until the spring I19 tightens whereafter the clockwork is rewound and the disc I58 is reset towards and beyond its zero position for a reason which will presently appear.

Actuation of the lever I61 causes a stub arm I86 on the lever shaft I12 to st;ike the angular end I5I of the lever I50 thereby tilting the lever I50 111 a clockwise sense, tensioning the spring I60 and re-engaging the arm I54 (Fig. 9) with the catch assembly I55.

The clock carries a control arm I8I on its disc stem I62 which is normally engaged by the armature 99 of the starter solenoid 96. This control arm rests against th keeps I96, I01 and 96, I04 closed as Ion clock is at rest. When the clock is s 11 arm I8I permits the contacts to openas was previously explained.

It was previously described that actuation of the solenoid H9 trips the catch assembly I55 causing the lever I54to tilt counter-clockwisely (Fig. 9) under action of the spring I60.

Referring now to Figure 6 it will be seen that a rod I82 extends into the path of the lever I50. The rod I82 is pivoted at I83 and forms a part of a double armed lever whose other end I84 is adapted to engage the lower inclined end I85 of a release lever I83 pivoted at I81.

The release lever I86 is urged by a spring I88 against a stop pin I83. In the position in which the release lever rests against the stop pin I89, it engages a lock pin I90 on the arm I73 and prevents the operating 'r-m IB'I from moving. 'Rotation ofthe release lever I86 causes the lock pin I90 to be freed thus permitting a ticket to be issued and the apparatus to be reset.

Referring now to the ticket dispensing mechanism proper, :it was previously described that 'actuation of the operating lever l fi l causes the arm I13 to use. In doing so it strikes the horizontal arm I89 'of a lever I 90. pivoted at I9I. The lever I93 swings about its pivot I9I in a clockwise'sense and causes a second lever I92al'so pivoted'at I9I to move 'in the s'amedirection through a coupling spring I93 connecting the two levers I89 and I92. The leverI 92 actuates a blank transport of conventional construction which comprises a carriage I9 l slidable on a guideway I35'thr'ough which the blanks are ;fed. The carriage is biased towards its end position by a biasing springI93. The carriage'l9'4 carries two upright fpins 1'9] and 1.98 between which the end of the lever I92 moves.

The unmarked 'blanks are connected along interrupted cut lines I99 to permit convenient separation. 'Each blank has' a hole '2'0il adapted to be engaged by a .resilie'nt feed 'finger 20i on the carriage I94. The .finger 201 nor any engages the hole in one .of the blanks and upon actuation :of the carriage 18 by the lever "I92 pushes the strip of tblanks towards the platen 562, the length of the "stroke of ithe 'carriage' I 94 being equal 'to-the'leng'thlof .one blank. 'Whenthe actuating lever ifi'lis'released the'carriage 1-94 is pulled back toits end position by itsspring I96. During this movement .the feed finger :20! rises slightly andslidesover'the blanknext to-"the one previously engaged until its enddrops into the next hole, The-carriage 194 then comes to rest against a stop 202 secured to .the'housing wall.

Operation of thehand lever IS'Izfurther causes actuationof the-reset contacts [22,123 andIZ-l by a cam element I52-on-theshaft-Il2. .This, as previously described, causes solenoid .33 to be energizedreleasing the disc 52 to'the;action of the'spring I5 whichturnsthe discba-ckltowards its'initial position (Fig. 4)

The start and finish responsive means shown in Figures 7 and 8 is particularly "suitedzfor use in swimming pools having end walls spaced apart by a standardized distance. The illustrated device comprises abase I33 having hook shaped members I 34 to; be placed over, the edge of .the pool. A platform; I35. is resiliently supported on the base I33 by springs I3B-.in.-a;similar manner as shown in the deviceofFigure 2. 2A reboundresponsive switch I8f has an actuating stem I31 bearing against one ofzthe two rails I38 on which the platform proper I35 is longitudinally adjustable by a hand wheel. A marker I lilis fixed on one of the rails I38 and reads against a graduation on the platform lfllcalibrated in terms of laps H The passage and finish responsive element has the form of a liquid filled capsule or container I42 having an easily deflectable thin front wall. The container M2 ishooked over the edge of the overflow trough I43 of the pool at Hi l; and a liquid duct I45extends to the switch 2315 which is of the fluid-pressure-actuated type."

Turning, briefly, to' Figure 8, the passage responsive element at the turn-around point. is. a similar deformable liquid filled capsule, of container I46 hooked over the edge of the overflow trough I43 with hooksflM'I. A passage responsive switch 2? is actuated through a liquid duct I48.

' Inasmuch as the passage responsiveoapsules I42 extends ov raps. it s Y fll i' all h pl form must be set backthreeinches to -,com pensate for the shortening of the race course bybnehalf of an -inch for each lap.

The invention thus provides a simple, reliable and compact timing mechanism which can \be used by untrained ersons without .the assistance of a skilled operator. The mechanism b effective automatic blocking and checking 'niean ingeniously prevents improper use or doublf incorrect timing in the event; of shortcuts taken by the racer. Moreparticularly, the apparatus is blocked against reuse during-the timje a race is in progress. Also no time record .is obtainable if the proper check points re not assed and actuated by the racer.

The device can-.easil'y-zbe installed at permanent ortemporary race trails. Itcanlreadily;be.moved to new locations and is powered ;by dr'y c ell bat- @teriesor an automobile storage .battery. j

(Dbviously numerous additions, omissions, subs'titutions or other chan espanbemadeiin the V illustrated structure :withoutdeparturefrom tthe spiritTof theinven'tion.

"What is claimed is:

1. An automatic timing device for measuring the time elapsed between the*passage'ofa starting line, traverse of a predetermihednumberiof laps of a course,- and passage of a finish line', -the .device comprising, inlcombination, two .lsp'aced .sponsive means, in, alternatiii'gl'seguence, foriactuatin s id s ep-.bv-istep means. upbfi actuation of said two passage responlsiilelma startable by actuationof one,of saidpassage'responsive'means; means operable by atleastone of said passage responsive means for stopiping 'saidplock; and means for rendering efijectiveand inefiective said stopping; means when, saidjsete'member isin-d l ed o ti n v and mac position, respectively, whereby stopping of the 13 clock prior to completion of a predetermined number of laps is prevented.

2. An automatic timing device for measuring the time elapsed between the passage of a starting line, traverse of a predetermined number of;

laps of a course, and passage of a finish line, the device comprising, in combination, two spaced timing stations; each station including a passage responsive means, one station, in addition including a start responsive means; a lap setting device including a settable member manually displaceable from a zero position by a displacement corresponding to the number of laps to be traversed; step-by-step means for restoring said member towards its zero position; means operable by both said passage responsive means, in alternating sequence, for actuating said step-bystep means upon actuation of said two passage responsive means; a clock startable by actuation of said responsive means; means operable by at least one of said passage responsive means for stopping said clock; said means for rendering effective and ineffective said stopping means when said settable member is in displaced position, and in zero position, respectively, whereby stopping of the clock prior to completion of a predetermined number of laps is prevented.

3. An automatic timing device for measuring the time elapsed between the passage of a starting line, traverse of a predetermined number of laps of a course, and passage of a finish line, the device comprising, in combination, two spaced timing stations, each station including a passage responsive means; a lap setting device including a rotatable member manually displaceac'ie from a zero position by a rotation corresponding to the number of laps to be traversed; means for biasing said rotatable member towards its zero position; means for releasably arresting said rotatable member in set position including two solenoids for arresting said rotatable member in predetermined positions of rotation, one of said solenoids being operable by the passage responsive means at one of said timing stations, and the other of said solenoids being operable by the passage responsive means at the other or said timing stations; a clock startable by actuation of one of said passage responsive means; means operable by at least one of said responsive means for stopping said clock; and means operable by said rotatable member for rendering inefiective said stopping means when said rotatable member is displaced from its zero position, whereby stopping of the clock prior to completion of a predetermined number of laps is prevented.

4. An automatic timing device for measuring the time elapsed between the passage of a starting line, traverse of a predetermined course including at least one part-way point, and passage of a finish line, the device comprising, in combination, a start responsive means at the starting line; a finish responsive means at the finish line; a passage responsive means at each part-way point; a rotatable member manually displaceable from a zero position by a rotation corresponding to the number of part-way points to be passed; means for biasing said rotatable member towards its zero position; means for releasably arresting said rotatable member in set position and in intermediate positions, one intermediate position being provided for each partway point, said arresting means including two solenoids operable by said responsive means in alternating sequence; a clock startable by said responsive means; means operable by said finish responsive means for stopping said clock; and means operable by said rotatable member for rendering inefiective said stopping means when said rotatable member is displaced from its zero position, whereby stopping of the clock prior to completion of the predetermined course is prevented.

5. An automatic timing device for measuring the time elapsed between the passag of a starting line, traverse of a predetermined course including at least one part-way point, and passage of a finish line, the device comprising, in combination, a start responsive means at the starting line; a finish responsive means at the finish line; a passage responsive means at each partway point; a rotatable member manually displaceable from a zero position by a rotation corresponding to the number of part-way points to be passed; step-by-step means for restoring said rotatable member towards its zero position; means operable by said responsive means, in alternating sequence, for actuating said step-bystep means; a clock startable by said start responsive means; means operable by said finish responsive means for stopping said clock; and means operable by said rotatable member for rendering ineffective said stopping means when said rotatabl member is displaced from its zero position, whereby stopping of the clock prior to completion of the predetermined course is prevented.

6. An automatic timing device for measuring the time elapsed between passage of a starting line, traverse of a predetermined number of laps of a course, and passage of a finish line, the device comprising in combination, two spaced timing stations, each station including a passage responsive means, a counter of laps actuable by said passage responsive means; manually operable setting means for setting said counter for a predetermined number of laps; a clock; means actuable by one of said passage responsive means for starting said clock; means actuable by one of said passage responsive means for stopping said clock; and means operable by said counter and said setting means for rendering ineffective said stopping means except on coincidence of said counter with said setting means, whereby stopping of the clock prior to completion of a predetermined number of laps is prevented.

7. An automatic timing device for measuring the time elapsed between the passage of a starting line, traverse of a predetermined course including at least one part-way-point, and passage of a finish line, the device comprising, in combination, a start responsive means at the starting line a finish responsive means at the finish line, a passage responsive means at each part-way point; a coin operable element actuable by the racer for rendering the device operative, said coin operable element being movable from an inactive rest position into an active position; means for biasing said element towards its rest position; means for locking said element in its active position; a clock; an electric circuit connecting said responsive means and said clock, said clock being startable by said start responsive means; means associated with said clock and means actuable by said finish responsive means for providing an indication of lapsed time; a rotatable member displaceable from a zero position by a rotation corresponding to the number of part-way points to be passed; means for biasing said rotatable mem.. ber towards its zero position; means for releaseably arrestingsaid rotatable member in. Setposi V tion-and in intermediate positions, one interme- REFERENCES? CIIEDI diate position being provided each part'way Thefollowing references are of record' in" the point, said arresting meansincluding two solefi}' -of this t;

noids operableby said responsive means -in-alter- 5 nating-sequence; means operable bysaid-frotat- UNITED'STATES'PATENTS able member for rendering inefiectivesaid'lapsed Number Name: Datea time indicating means when said rotatable mem- 2,229,324 Gordon Jan; 21; I941 her is displaced-from its zero position; and means 2339,8941 Keen@ Apr: 29; .1941

fonunlocking said -c0inoperable element, said 19 2,318,450 Bel0ck= May'A; 1943 unlocking means being actuable afteractuation 2,351,701 Rouprich- June 20; 1944 of said finish responsive means. 2:;4'Z8A82; Harris .A11g;-9;=.1949

2;49.'I;541-' Ferrara' ..Feb.i 14; 1950 WAL'I'ERRATH. 2,557;16'-I Armagost June 19; 1951 2,559}? 96 Bath 1- (11113110 1951 

